SpecialAnthony Warren is shown in a 2008 Jefferson County Sheriff's Department booking photo after his arrest following a chase by Birmingham and other police officers.

Lawyers for five former Birmingham police officers caught on video beating an unconscious man are asking a federal judge to stay a civil case against the officers because of an ongoing criminal investigation.

The man the officers beat after the chase, Anthony Warren, filed a federal lawsuit against the officers alleging unnecessary and excessive force. The officers have been informed that they are "targets" for possible criminal action and have been read their Miranda Rights, according to court records filed today at Birmingham federal court.

The FBI and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation have sought certain records and interviewed witnesses, the motion said. The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office and the U.S. Attorney's Office in Birmingham are involved in the investigation.

"As this case results from the same allegations that are being criminally investigated, it would seriously compromise these officers' constitutional rights against self incrimination to compel them to have to proceed with these hearings," the defense motion said. " It would be improper and unfair to the defendants to allow this matter to proceed under the specter of impending criminal proceedings."

Video of the beating was discovered in March by an assistant district attorney, prompting an investigation by the police department.

The 2008 incident happened when a Birmingham police officer tried to question Warren about possible drug activity. In the subsequent 22-minute chase, Warren struck a Hoover police officer and then was thrown from his own van as it crashed. Authorities said Warren was unconscious when the five officers began kicking him and beating him with a billy club and fists.

The police video was recording until a sixth officer turned off the lights and siren in the cruiser that held the camera, automatically shutting off the camera. Warren was charged with attempted murder of the Hoover officer, but later pleaded guilty to first-degree assault and is serving a 20-year prison sentence.